DNA Revolution and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Cognition and Emotions
Motivation
First published: 15 May 2015
Abstract
A century of genetic research on the social and behavioral sciences has addressed the “how much” question, showing that genetic differences are important for nearly all traits. However, during the past few decades, research has moved beyond this rudimentary “how much” question to ask “how” questions about developmental change and continuity, about the relationship between traits, and about the interplay between genes (nature) and environment (nurture). We suggest that some of the most important and transformative findings in the social and behavioral sciences have come from this research. Moreover, the most revolutionary changes in genetic research are on their way with the rapid advances in DNA technology and methodology, which promise to transform the social and behavioral sciences. It is crucial that social and behavioral scientists stay on top of the DNA revolution. The purpose of our essay is to provide an overview of genetic research in the social and behavioral sciences.
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